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Ezekiel-12

Journey Through Troubles: A Devotional Study on Ezekiel 12​

Introduction​

Ezekiel's prophetic message is a powerful testament to God's sovereign purpose, even in the midst of troubling circumstances. In Chapter 12, the prophet receives a Divine instruction that forecasts a captivity for Jerusalem, the King's seat, and the Prince's throne. As we explore this chapter, let's learn how to respond to trouble with confidence in God's purpose.

Section 1: Journey Preparation (Ezekiel 12:1-2)​

Devotional Thought: The Lord instructs Ezekiel to prepare for a journey by packing his belongings, shaving his head, and keeping his beard close. This act mirrors the unpleasant needs associated with captivity, and we experience its lessons in our spiritual journeys. When faced with troubled circumstances, we need to prepare and pack our spiritual needs. We are encouraged to reflect on our spiritual needs and ensure they are secure, lest our captive experience keeps us from essential spiritual elements.

Reflection Questions:

  • Which spiritual needs should we prioritize and pack when we are heading for potentially troubled circumstances?
  • How can we ensure that our captive experience doesn't rob us of our spiritual needs?

Section 2: Captivity Foretold (Ezekiel 12:2-16)​

Devotional Thought: The Lord reveals His divine plan regarding the King's seat and Prince's throne, indicating a coming captivity for Jerusalem. This revelation mirrors our experiences when we encounter spiritual, emotional, or physical captivity. Yet, God's purpose remains sure. As we observe the beliefs of the King and Prince, we notice that they trusted in an inaccurate assurance of hope, which parallels our culture's obsessions with self-assurance instead of trusting in God's sovereign purpose.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do we rely on our self-assurance more than God's sovereign purpose?
  • What lessons can we learn from the King and Prince's unrealistic assurance of hope?

Section 3: Journey Return (Ezekiel 12:17-20)​

Devotional Thought: After the prophet complies with the divine instruction, the Lord reveals a return journey. Ezekiel's counsel to the rebellious house of Israel is that the Lord will return them to their land and a restored King and Prince. This foretelling resets our spirits as we understand that in God's purpose, we can return from captivity and remain faithful.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does God's restoration process unfold in this passage?
  • In what ways can we remain faithful during our captive experiences?

Conclusion:​

As we conclude our devotional journey through Ezekiel 12, we are assured that God's purpose supersedes our captive experiences. Let us discard our misplaced trust in self-assurance and rely solely on God's sovereign purpose. May we draw comfort in knowing that in God's purpose, we will return from our captive experiences, faithful and restored.